November update!

Exciting things are happening at Niki Makeup HQ! I am currently having a studio built in my garden.  It was originally for me to paint in, but seeing the space coming to life I think it will be great to also use as a hair and makeup studio for my clients.  I am super excited right now as it will be ready at the beginning of  January for 2022 Bridal trials.  I look forward to sharing some photos and further details with you soon.

Sneak peak...

I have had quite a few weddings still this month which is unusual for me as November is usually much quieter but with so many postponements there is no peak season at the moment! 

Lots of hairstyling for me recently as well.  These were taken at the gorgeous https://www.essendonweddings.co.uk I have worked here a couple of times recently and it fast becoming one of my favourite venues so do check it out if you are currently venue hunting!

Lots of waves on shorter hair this month, this has definitely been a popular request.

Lovely to back as always at https://www.south-farm.co.uk/weddings/ creating this lovely natural makeup look.

Bun styles are always a popular choice for bridesmaids or a special occasion.

I met with the lovely Natalie for natural hair and makeup ahead of her branding shoot for her Osteopathy business with the super talented https://www.ajburrowsphotography.co.uk

I had some face chart fun, for those that don't know I have my own face charts available to purchase at my Etsy store.  These are great to practice makeup designs and to record clients makeup following appointments. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Nikicreates?ref=profile_header

Being a really summer girl I have so enjoyed the sunny blue skies of November!

I also went into London for the first time in two years! We had a lovely stroll around Covent Garden and even took our pooches with us.

I had my Covid Booster, so fully jabbed which is great! 

Finally one of my beautiful November brides...

...and one of my bridal makeup trials.

I am offering Special Occasion Hair and Makeup appointments in December ahead of Christmas parties so do book in if you are interested.  I also have Gift vouchers available to purchase on my website if you are looking for a gift with a bit of a difference these can be used for Special Occasions, Makeup Lessons and Master classes.

All bridal enquiries via www.nikimakeup.co.uk

Branding/ Headshots/Shoots/Events via www.nikimakeup.com

As always keep up to date with my daily updates on Instagram @nikimakeup

Friday Fave! Lisa Eldridge Lip Colours

When I heard via Lisa Eldridge's social media channel that there was a pop up make up shop in Covent Garden until the end of the year including a Makeup Museum I literally could not wait to get into town!

My visit did not disappoint! A few of my snaps are below, some of her vintage makeup was such a treat to see, literally a make up artist/lover's dream! If you are in Covent Garden do try to visit before the New Year!  Full address: 7 North Piazza, Royal Opera House Arcade, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8HD

I purchased two lipsticks one is a new shade a True Velvet Matte lipstick in 'Velvet Petal'. It is a gorgeous light warm pink and feels lovely to wear, matte but not drying on the lips.  The packaging is stunning too. RRP £26.00

I also got a Luxuriously Lucent Lip colour which has more of a shine and satin finish.  This a blue-based light to medium rose pink.  This shade is beautiful to wear, ultra modern and perfect for summer brides!

There are also lip pencils, lip glosses, makeup bags and foundation as well as her make up book and jewellery collection available to purchase.

I love the pigment and feel of the lip colours so these are definitely Friday Faves!

www.lisaeldridge.com

The Top 3 Questions I always get asked on a Wedding Morning!

A wedding morning is a flurry of activity mostly with bridesmaids and mums often getting ready altogether amongst hair and makeup artists, videographers and photographers.

I have been working in the bridal industry now for over fifteen years and I have seen and heard a lot, I could write a book! There are some questions I literally get asked all the time so I thought I would share my top three with you for a bit of pre-wedding insight!

Do you have any scissors? 

This has to be the number one question that I am asked at literally almost every wedding.  Those pesky little tags left on dresses, veils, hats, accessories and clutch bags are surprisingly more often than not left until the very last minute to be removed!

Which side do the Mum's wear their corsage?

I have an easy way to remember this one on the Big Day! On the right because women are always right!

Is the Makeup waterproof? What do I do if I cry?

Yes the makeup I use is all waterproof and long wearing as well as being applied in layers and set to last well, especially the eye-liner and mascara.  It is a given that most will shed a tear or two at the very least at an emotional event such as a wedding day especially following the Pandemic with weddings being able to finally go ahead after such a long wait.  It has been an emotional roller coaster for many couples and those working within the bridal industry. I always advise gentle dabbing with a tissue and the makeup should not be disturbed.

There are certainly a lot of other questions that are asked all the time such as can I borrow hairspray, does anyone have a safety pin, does anyone know how to tie a cravat, can I borrow a makeup brush, does anyone have any wet wipes, can I grab a plaster.... the list goes on....but the three above are by far the most popular so don't be caught out save time and cut off those tags in advance!  Pack a tissue for those tears and impress everyone with your corsage knowledge!

Photo courtesy of www.margessonphotography.com

Friday Fave! YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer

I have been testing out this primer for some months now, I like it so much it has remained in my makeup bag rather than going into my kit after initial testing so clearly I need to get another one! 

Firstly I love the bottle with pretty little flecks of expensive looking gold within the transparent serum.  It is super smooth and silky in texture and easily smoothes fine lines and open pores as well as providing a smooth base before foundation. Makeup glides on top of this primer beautifully, blending seamlessly.  I apply a small pea sized amount (one pump) to the back of my hand and smooth over my cheeks, forehead and chin using my fingertips.

A primer to blur any imperfections and boost skin's radiance at the same time as well as keeping makeup in place all day what more do you need? 

RRP £32.00

https://www.yslbeauty.co.uk/en_GB/makeup/complexion/primer

Friday Fave! Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

I recently purchased this highlighter and I love it!

Available in six shades, I have 'Spotlight' a beautiful light gold highlighter.  Other shades include Pillow Talk Original, Pillow Talk Medium, Goldgasm, Peachgasm and Pinkgasm.

This shade adds a gorgeous luminous, glowy highlight to different areas of the face and décolletage area.

It is designed with a cushion applicator for easy application.  Apply directly to the face or onto the back of the hand and pat and blend with fingertips.

Get your glow on!!

A happy new addition to my pro kit!

RRP £29.00

Available at www.charlottetilbury.com